Welcome to the Stratford Library Adult Department.
June Adult Programs
ADULT SUMMER READING 2025
June 1st – August 10th
Summer reading isn’t just for kids.
Join our Adult Reading challenge & enter to win our prize drawing for gift cards.
Kick off Summer Reading with our Third Annual
ADULT SUMMER SOCIALTuesday, June 10 | 3pm – 7:30pm | Lovell Room
Share your summer reading excitement with other adult readers & Library staff.
Join a flash book discussion!
Color a giant coloring page! Get a henna design!
Browse for summer reading booklists & bookmarks and eat a sweet treat!FEATURED PROGRAMS
WORKSHOP: Craft Short Creative Writing That Gets Published!
Fridays, June 13, 20, 27 | 11am-2pm | Lovell Rooms
In this 3 class workshop series we’ll explore the creative process through writing prompts and free-writing, selected readings in flash, and a lively discussion on craft, to use in your ongoing writing practice. In these sessions we’ll develop a toolkit of editorial tools you can use on your own or in a workshop setting to move from inspiration to final edit.
REGISTER HERE
GARDENING WORKSHOP: Invasives, and How to Safely Get Rid of Them
Saturday, June 14 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join Master Gardeners Giulia Gambale and Faith Bailey for a friendly class on invasive species in Connecticut, specifically aimed at homeowners. Come ready to engage, ask questions, and leave with practical knowledge to safeguard your garden!
REGISTER HERE
SPICE UP YOUR SUMMER:
Monday, June 16 | Reference Department
Stop by the Reference Desk and pick up a “Spice Up Your Summer: Tarragon Grab & Go kit”. Each kit contains a sample of the spice plus information and recipes to try.
Beginning Monday, June 16, you can stop at the Reference Desk to pick up a kit. There is no registration. Kits are first come, first served. Supplies are limited. One kit per household.JUNETEENTH MUSIC & DANCE
Wednesday, June 18 | 2pm | Lovell Room
ALL AGES PROGRAM. Join African Dance Instructor, Jolyn Washington Walker of African Expressions, to celebrate Juneteenth! This interactive event will explore the history of Juneteenth, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” the symbolism of the Juneteenth flag, and how Juneteenth is celebrated in Texas and the South.Learn more about the HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH
READERS THEATRE SUMMER SHOWCASE 2025:
The Square One Theatre Company, in conjunction with the Stratford Library, returns with its annual program of live, staged readings of new plays! Free and Open to the public. Adult audiences, please.
JOB by Max Friedlich
Wednesday, June 18 | 7pm | Lovell Room
Max Friedlich’s tense play concerns a troubled employee who sees a therapist in order to get her job back.
- THE WHITE CHIP by Sean Daniels
Thursday, June 26 | 7pm | Lovell Room
Sean Daniels’ surprisingly funny and dramatic journey with a young man addicted to alcohol.
PROPAGATION STATION – Houseplant Swap
Thursday, June 26| 6pm | Lobby
Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It’s a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers from beginners to experts are welcome!CAREER & TECH HELP:
Career Coach: RESUME & COVER LETTER CLASS
Monday, June 9 | 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm | Career Coach Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
Make your resume shine and position yourself to stand out in the crowd of job-seekers. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your current resume so you can get tips to create a powerful, up-to-date document to land your dream job interview!
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm session
BOOK DISCUSSIONS:
Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, June 2 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others!
Don’t Know Much About Book Discussion (re-schedule)
Wednesday, June 4 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join the adult book discussion of THAT PART WAS TRUE by Deborah McKinlay. A lonely British woman strikes up a pen pal friendship with a successful American author and they offer each other help and support with their relationship dramas before agreeing to finally meet up in Paris. In this affecting and “rewarding” epistolary novel, two unlikely divorcés — a romantic pessimist and a newfound bachelor — get a second chance at love (New York Times Book Review).
Copies available at the Checkout Desk.
“Don’t Know Much About” Book Discussion
Wednesday, June 11 | 11am | Lovell Room
THE SEAMSTRESS OF SARDINIA by Bianca Pitzorno
We will be discussing this delightful dramedy of manners, family, romance, and fashion that is set on the island of Sardinia at the end of the nineteenth century–a dazzling and original literary blend of Jane Austen and Adriana Trigiani.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.Books Over Coffee
Wednesday, June 25 | noon | Lovell Room
GIOVANNI’S ROOM by James Baldwin
Set in the contemporary Paris of American expatraites, liasons, and violence, a young man finds himself caught between desire and conventional morality. James Baldwin’s brilliant narrative delves into the mystery of loving with a sharp, probing imagination, and he creates a moving, highly controversial story of death and passion that reveals the unspoken complexities of the heart.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.
CREATE:
Knit Wits
Wednesday, June 5 & 26 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.MOVIES:
Wicked
Monday, June 16 | 12pm | Lovell Room
The untold story of the witches of Oz stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
Rated PG, 160 minutes
Anora
Monday, June 30 | 12pm | Lovell Room
A young stripper from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.
Rated R, 139 minutes
May Adult Programs
FEATURED PROGRAMS
uCreate: STAR WARS PARTY
Saturday, May 3 | 1p | Lovell Room
May the 4th be with you! We’re celebrating Star Wars Day a day early with:
*Star Wars I Spy & a drop-in craft all day in the Children’s Dept.
*A Death Star cyanotype Grab ‘n Go Kit for adults
*A showing of Revenge of the Sith from 2 to 4:30 pm in the Lovell Room.
Costumes encouraged! There will be snacks & prizes at the movie.
SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT Series (part 3)
Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
Tuesday, May 6 | 11am | Lovell Room
Explore the four essential elements of cooking in our new discussion series! Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat will be our inspiration for this three part discussion series. Registered dietitian Siddhi Sheth, MS, RDN, CDN from ShopRite of Shelton will lead our discussions on how learning to use salt, fat, acid, and heat will improve your cooking skills. There will also be tasty recipe demos at each session.
March 4 is on “Salt”, April 1 on “Fat”, May 6 on “Acid”, and “Heat” will be incorporated into all three sessions.
Read along and come with your questions or just come to learn more about these essential cooking elements.
COPIES OF THE BOOK ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHECK-OUT DESK.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
CELEBRATE ALL PETS!
Saturday, May 17 | 2:30pm | Lovell Room
Join us for a creative afternoon where you can design a personalized bandana for your furry friend using the Cricut! The Stratford Animal Rescue Society will be joining us! Come and meet some of the adorable shelter pets that are available for adoption. In addition, We will be gathering donations for STARS. If you’re interested in contributing, please visit their website for a list of items needed for donation.
This program is for adults ages 18 and up. Registration is required.PROPAGATION STATION – Houseplant Swap
Thursday, May 29 | 6pm | Lobby
Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It’s a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers from beginners to experts are welcome!
REGISTRATION REQUIREDWORKSHOPS:
Guided Chair Yoga & Meditation
Thursday, May 1 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Thursday, May 15 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Instructor Laurie Trupp leads this unique one hour class that combines gentle chair yoga poses with relaxing guided meditation at the beginning and end of class. The yoga poses will be done seated, as well as standing with the chair used as a prop for balance. Registration is required.
Register HERE for May 1
Register HERE for May 15
Webinar: MEDICARE 101 (Virtual)
Saturday, May 3 | 10am | Virtual – register for link
Are you currently enrolled in Medicare? Will you be turning 65 over the next year or two? Learn about eligibility, how and when to enroll, when you can make changes, and the insurance options available to you. This program will simplify the choices you need to make, help you make more well-informed decisions and explain what Medicare means for you! This is an educational event.
You must self-register in advance for this educational event. Registrations will be accepted through one day before the program.
REGISTRATION REQUIREDWorkshop: DRIVE ALIVE DRIVER RETAINING
Saturday, May 17 | 10am | Lovell Room
The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Driver Safety Program”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons improve their driving skills. Persons 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the library program and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of instruction. The course is limited to 20 participates only and there is a nominal fee of $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members charged by the AARP.
REQUIRED REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE HERETALKS:
Music: GROWING UP IN THE WOODSTOCK GENERATION
Sunday, May 4 | 2pm | Lovell Room
The exciting multi-media Growing Up In The Woodstock Generation as presented by Marc Black is a nostalgic treat for everyone! Proud recipient of the Key to the Town of Woodstock and New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Marc, will guide you through a multi-media program of song, storytelling and laughter. His partner, Susan, will accompany the show with evocative visuals from the era.
Dance: LI GARDEN DANCE COMPANY – CHINESE FOLK DANCE
Saturday, May 10 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Li Garden Dance Company of Stamford, known for their innovative dance style which is rooted in classical Chinese dance and modern dance, will present four dances: Dancing to Dunhuang Strings, Passersby in Misty Rain, Ode to Pear Blossoms and Enchanted Waves.
Sunday Afternoon Talks: AUTHOR SHERRY MINNITI D’ELIA
Sunday, May 18 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Sherry’s book, Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Aging that You Wish Someone Had Told You: Plus…What You might Be Able to Do About It! is the perfect little book to bring knowledge, levity, and acceptance about getting older for women of all ages. She provides tips throughout the book that can be funny or practical; either way, your attitude about aging will improve.!
Copies of Sherry’s book will be available for purchase following her talk.
Talk: RESEARCHING OUR ROOTS – DIGGING DEEPER
Monday, May 19 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Genealogical research is both rewarding and challenging. Have you hit a roadblock in your ancestral research? Are you not sure how to find more generations of your family? Join instructor Sarah Miller as she shares tips and tools to help you dig deeper into your family’s past.
LIMITED TO 15 PEOPLE ONLY! REGISTER HERE.CAREER & TECH HELP:
Career Coach: JOB SEARCH HELP
Monday, March 10 | 10am to 12pm | Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
This workshop will introduce you to the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and demonstrate how it can empower your job search efforts.
The same material will be presented in each 2-hour workshop, participants only need to attend one of the sessions.
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm sessionBOOK DISCUSSIONS:
Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, May 5 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others! Meets the first Monday of the month.Don’t Know Much About Book Discussion
Wednesday, March 12 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join the adult book discussion of THAT PART WAS TRUE by Deborah McKinlay. A lonely British woman strikes up a pen pal friendship with a successful American author and they offer each other help and support with their relationship dramas before agreeing to finally meet up in Paris. In this affecting and “rewarding” epistolary novel, two unlikely divorcés — a romantic pessimist and a newfound bachelor — get a second chance at love (New York Times Book Review).
Copies available at the Checkout Desk.Books On Tap
Books, Brews, and Bantor
Tuesday, May | 7pm to settle, 7:30pm to talk
Join us at the Whiskey Barrel located at 251 E. Main St, Stratford.
We will be discussing A WELL-TRAINED WIFE: MY ESCAPE FROM CHRISTIAN PATRIARCHY by Tia Levings, an unforgettable and timely memoir about a woman’s race to save herself and her family and details the ways that extreme views can manifest in a marriage.”This book stands out among other narratives about overcoming religious trauma in that it peels back the layers of Christian fundamentalism, exposing why it’s so attractive to people hungry for assurance and certainty. A devastatingly triumphant story that will be a beacon for many women who suffer in silence.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred)
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.
Books Over Coffee
Wednesday, May 28 | noon | Lovell Room
JAMES by Percival Elliott
From Percival Everett-a recipient of the NBCC Lifetime Achievement Award and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Booker Prize, and numerous PEN awards-comes James, a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view. Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “cult literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.PLAY & CREATE:
Knit Wits
Wednesday, May 14 & 28 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own project.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.Crocheting
Wednesday, May 21 | 6pm | Children’s Program Room
Ages 9+ (adults and teens welcome). Learn the art of crocheting! This class is perfect for both beginners and others looking to advance their skills.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
MOVIES:
Continue reading →
Monday Matinees: Gladiator II
Monday, March 10 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. Blockbuster sequel to the Oscar winning “Gladiator” from 2000.
R, 148 minutesApril Adult Programs
FEATURED PROGRAMS
SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT Series (part 2)
Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
Tuesday, April 1 | 11am | Lovell Room
Explore the four essential elements of cooking in our new discussion series! Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat will be our inspiration for this three part discussion series. Registered dietitian Siddhi Sheth, MS, RDN, CDN from ShopRite of Shelton will lead our discussions on how learning to use salt, fat, acid, and heat will improve your cooking skills. There will also be tasty recipe demos at each session.
March 4 was on “Salt”, April 1 on “Fat”, May 6 on “Acid”, and “Heat” will be incorporated into all three sessions.
Read along and come with your questions or just come to learn more about these essential cooking elements.
COPIES OF THE BOOK ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHECK-OUT DESK.
REGISTRATION REQUIREDPROPAGATION STATION – Houseplant Swap
Thursday, April 24 | 6pm | Lobby
Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It’s a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers from beginners to experts are welcome!
REGISTRATION REQUIREDWORKSHOPS:
Kitchen Herbs Gardening Workshop
Saturday, April 4 | 11am | Lovell Room
Unlock the joy of fresh flavors right at your fingertips with our exciting class on growing herbs in small spaces! Whether you have a cozy kitchen window, a balcony, or a shaded corner of your home, this class is designed for urban gardeners and herb enthusiasts alike.
REGISTRATION REQUIREDGuided Chair Yoga & Meditation
Thursday, April 10 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Thursday, April 24 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Instructor Laurie Trupp leads this unique one hour class that combines gentle chair yoga poses with relaxing guided meditation at the beginning and end of class. The yoga poses will be done seated, as well as standing with the chair used as a prop for balance. Registration is required.
Register HERE for April 10
Register HERE for April 24Navigating Social Security & Medicare
Tuesday, April 15 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Free workshop by AFEA – American Financial Education AllianceBeginner Computer Workshops
Classes are designed for those new to computers or in need of a refresher.
Computer Basics
Tuesday, April 22 | 2pm | Board Room
Learn the basics of using a PC, including how to start your computer, save and re-open a file, and create a folder
Internet Basics
Thursday, April 24 | 2pm | Board Room
Learn basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines and websites.
Cybersecurity Basics
Tuesday, April 29 | 2pm | Board Room
Online safety starts with the security of your own account and devices. Learn to protect your data and avoid online scams.
REGISTRATION REQUIREDTALKS:
Nurturing Nature: A Guide to Gardening for Special Needs
Sunday, April 6 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Author Jill Howlett Mays discusses her new book, Nurturing Nature: A Guide to Gardening for Special Needs. Vulnerable populations, such as the neurodiverse or physically challenged, are at an elevated risk of suffering from isolation and stress-related illnesses. Gardening is a good answer, as it has been proven to be especially beneficial to physical, cognitive and emotional health. Learn how to start a garden, encourage growth and get great results—for both individuals and their plants!Researching Our Roots-An Introduction to Genealogy
Monday, April 28 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Are you interested in building your family tree? Join instructor Sarah Miller as she presents strategies to begin your ancestral research using a variety of online sources. The presentation is followed by guided research time with access to paid genealogical subscriptions. This class is designed for those just beginning their ancestral research.
CLASS IS LIMITED TO 15 PEOPLE – REGISTRATION REQUIREDCAREER & TECH HELP:
CAREER COACH: Learn Microsoft Word on the Career Coach
Monday, April 14 | 10am to 12pm | Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
Learn what you need to successfully use Microsoft Word! There will be time to practice what you learned at the end of the session.
The same material will be presented in each 2-hour workshop, participants only need to attend one of the sessions.
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm sessionBOOK DISCUSSIONS:
Books On Tap
Books, Brews, and Bantor
Tuesday, April 1 | 7pm to settle, 7:30pm to talk
Join us at the Whiskey Barrel located at 251 E. Main St, Stratford.
We will be discussing GOOD MATERIAL by Dolly Alderton – Jen has dumped Andy, and he’s handling the breakup very, very badly. Crashing at his mother’s house and obsessively photographing his hairline, Andy embraces the rites and rituals of every breakup. Even as Andy tests the waters of a new relationship, he finds himself drawn back to Jen, revisiting old texts and emails, trying to figure out what truly went wrong.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, April 7 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others! Meets the first Monday of the month.
Don’t Know Much About (DKMA)
Wednesday, April 9 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join our Adult Book Discussion of LONGITUDE : the true story of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of his time by Dava Sobel. The book is the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest and of one man’s forty-year obsession with building his perfect timekeeper, known today as the chronometer. Full of heroism and chicanery, it is also a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation, and clockmaking, and opens a new window on our world.
Copies available at the Checkout Desk.
FYA (Forever Young Adult) Book Club
Wednesday, April 9 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join us for our next FYA (Forever Young Adult Bookclub). We will be discussing ACE OF SPADES by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. Snacks will be served.
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.
Books Over Coffee
Wednesday, March 26 | noon | Lovell Room
BY ANY OTHER NAME by Jodi Picoult
In celebration of William Shakespeare’s birthday!
From the New York Times bestselling co-author of Mad Honey comes an “inspiring” (Elle) novel about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.PLAY & CREATE:
Knit Wits
Wednesday, April 2, 16 & 30 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.Crocheting
Wednesday, April 16 | 6pm | Children’s Program Room
Ages 9+ (adults and teens welcome). Learn the art of crocheting! This class is perfect for both beginners and others looking to advance their skills.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Adult craft – Spring Garland
Thursday, April 10 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Let’s get ready for spring decorating! By using simple everyday items like cupcake wrappers and pom poms, we’ll create little daisies that we will then attach to a string resulting in a lovely garland that’s sure to brighten any room.
REGISTRATION REQUIREDMOVIES:
Continue reading →
Monday Matinees: A Real Pain
Monday, April 14 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
R, 89 minutes
